The Most Romantic Restaurants in New York City

There is something inherently romantic about everything French. The same holds true for La Grenouille, a beautiful classic French restaurant in Midtown and one of the best romantic eateries in New York. La Grenouille has been around since 1962. They serve up a menu of French classics, like steak tartare and la poularde au Champagne (champagne chicken). La Grenouille has a pricey prix fixe menu, so go when for a splurge. Diners can feel wowed by the elegant white tablecloth atmosphere and impeccable service.

Sometimes, it's simply the view that creates the romance. This is definitely the case at River Cafe, one of the best romantic restaurants in New York. River Cafe sits right on the East River, under the Brooklyn Bridge. Enjoy unforgettable views of Manhattan and the bridge while enjoying this unforgettable prix fixe menu. The menu changes at River Cafe, but expect dishes like Crescent Farms duck or roasted rabbit. The restaurant has a dress code to keep it feeling fancy. Men must wear jackets, and everyone must wear appropriate footwear.

Another french standout in NYC that great for a date night is Le Coucou. Le Coucou started in Paris, and the mastermind behind it opened an outpost in NYC in 2016. The restaurant is in SoHo, so wander the cobblestone streets of the neighborhood before heading in for a meal. The menu features French dishes like halibut with beurre blanc and tout le lapin (all of the rabbit). After enjoying rich, buttery French food, sip on a digestif or choose one of their many cognacs. Le Coucou is fancy but not buttoned-up; they explain their dress code is no shorts, flip-flops, sweatpants, or tank tops. (Men must remove their hats.)

Eat at Lincoln Ristorante for another activity and meal in one. This restaurant, inside of Lincoln Center, is one of the best romantic restaurants in town. The menu is Italian, so consider eating some pasta "Lady and the Tramp" style. After dining, head to a show at Lincoln Center. There is always a wide variety of events happening there: from musicals and plays, to the ballet, to the symphony, and more.

Celebrity chef Tom Colicchio is the mastermind behind Craft, one of the best romantic restaurants in NYC located in Gramercy. Craft's menu is protein-centric, so choose from a wide array of fishes, meats, poultry, and more. It is exciting to eat at a Tom Colicchio restaurant because he is legendary for creating outstanding dining experiences. Craft also makes a great place to take a date because the candlelit interior facilitates automatic romance. Craft is in a pretty central part of town, so they are convenient no matter where you go afterward or where you come from before.

Another authentic Italian restaurant that makes for a romantic meal is Masseria dei Vini. Way on the west side of town, this is an updated version of a Masseria — a Pugliese farmhouse converted into an inn. The menu is Pugliese, with fish dishes, shellfish, and pasta. Enjoy the food and the atmosphere, which will helps people feel transported straight to Italy. The wine list here is Italian, so take the opportunity to sample some Old World vintages with a beloved.

Another of the best romantic restaurants in midtown is Sea Fire Grill, a place that specializes in seafood. Sea Fire Grill is a great spot to eat at pre-theater, and a dining haven in the Theater District. At Sea Fire Grill, make sure to order a fish dish, which is what makes the restaurant so special. The atmosphere here is elegant with hanging chandeliers, high ceilings, and tablecloths, so choose this spot for a fancy treat.

The first Il Mulino was downtown. The newest outpost in NYC is uptown, and they are just as good as the original, if not better. This chic setting makes for an upscale date spot. Indulge in Italian classics and enjoy a glass (or bottle) of Italian wine. Il Mulino is so good that they have launched a restaurant empire, so there's no doubt this is one of the best romantic restaurants to pick in town.